The anatomy of a cyber power

Cyberspace, the ever-expanding manifestation of the pervasive information and communications infrastructure, is a rich environment for the projection of power and influence. Entities of all types – nation-states, corporations, terrorist and criminal organizations, and non-profit groups – are embedding critical aspects of their operations in cyberspace hoping to reap the benefits offered by the domain. Cyberspace is an equalizer. It offers all actors speed and reach, anonymity and protection, and the ability to create and participate in virtual economies and wield cyber weapons, all with a low buy-in cost. This drastically alters the power equation. The gap between major powers and lesser powers is shrinking; non-state actors could become cyber powers. This paper attempts to clarify the important notions of cyberpower and cyber power. It considers nation-states as well as non-state actors, and articulates the essential components and characteristics required to acquire and maintain cyberpower.